That’s exactly what your argumentative essay introduction should do. It should draw your reader in, give a little background information, and let your audience know what the rest of the essay will be about.

That last part–letting your audience know what the rest of your essay will be about–is the thesis statement, and it might be one of the most important parts of your essay.

What Is a Thesis Statement and Why Is It so Important?

The thesis statement is usually the last part of the introduction, following the hook and background information. In the case of an argumentative essay, it will concisely tell your position on the topic and the reasons for your position.

So why is it so important?

Your argumentative essay will, naturally, be judged and graded on the strength of your argument. It’s the thesis statement that tells your readers exactly what your argument is, while the rest of your paper works to defend that argument.

But don’t worry, you’re not completely on your own. I’m going to give you some argumentative thesis statement examples to get you on the right track and take your essay from a B-movie status to a blockbuster hit.

Feel free to use these examples as a starting point for your own thesis statement. I’ve also linked to some example essays to inspire you even more.

Image via filmofilia.com

A Dozen Argumentative Thesis Statement Examples

Topic #1: Should standardized tests be eliminated?

Standardized tests should not be eliminated completely, but should rather be evaluated in addition to other factors such as grades, extracurricular activities, and volunteer hours. This would take pressure off of students during standardized tests, allow colleges to see how well-rounded the students are, and give students who are better in other areas a greater chance to further their education.

Topic #2: Is the cost of tuition appropriate?

Lowering the cost of tuition by at least 50% would lead to less student debt and allow more students to attend college, which, in turn, would increase the amount of educated people in the general public.

Topic #3: Are extracurricular activities important in high school?

Extracurricular activities such as sports, music, art, and theater are extremely important because they can give students a better sense of belonging, an idea of what they want to do for a living, and the confidence to perform well in other subject areas.

Topic #4: Is a college degree necessary in today’s society?

A college degree is necessary for most people to achieve success in today’s society because many entry-level jobs won’t hire people without a degree, and it gives graduates more options in case their high school rock band doesn’t make it out of the garage; while there are other avenues one could take, the majority of career paths will require college education.

Topic #5: At what age should children stop getting an allowance?

Children should stop receiving allowance at age 15 because they are able to work outside of the home at this age, they will have three years to adjust to a job environment before they are legally an adult, and it creates less burden on the parents because the children will be able to pay for more of their own needs.

Topic #6: At what age should kids have cell phones?

Parents should allow their kids access to cell phones when the children start going out on their own. It gives kids the ability to call a parent if they are lost or in trouble, teaches kids responsibility, and saves them from possible ridicule from peers about not having what has become a basic piece of technology.

Topic #7: What is one thing the government should be researching more in order to help the environment?

The government should be researching more effective ways to harness solar power because the world needs to eliminate its dependence on fossil fuels, solar power is the most abundant renewable resource, and the current production methods still pollute the environment and need improvement.

Topic #8: Should parents reward children for good grades and punish them for bad grades?

Parents should reward children for good grades, but not punish them for bad grades; rewarding children will make them want to get more good grades, but punishing them can possibly make them feel inadequate and less likely to seek help to improve those grades.

Topic #9: Should students be graded on homework?

Students should only be graded on homework completion, not the correctness of homework, because students may need more time to fully grasp a concept, they will feel less stressed about their overall homework load, and they need the chance to get an answer wrong every once in a while without fear of punishment.

Topic #10: Should college football players get paid to play?

College football players should get paid to play because they put at least as much time into practicing as most college students put into working, they don’t have time for a side job, and not paying them creates a double standard in regards to paying professional athletes.

Topic #11: Should schools be segregated by sex?

Schools should not be segregated by sex because integration teaches kids valuable social and dating skills and exposes them to different perspectives and ways of thinking within the classroom.

Topic #12: What is the right amount of televisionthat kids should watch per day?

Kids should be able to watch television for the same amount of time that they put into reading for the day. This rule would ensure that kids read more, that their free time isn’t completely dominated by the television, and it would give them a greater sense of autonomy by enabling them, in effect, to choose how much television they are able to watch based on their reading time.

How to Use These Argumentative Thesis Statement Examples in Your Next Essay

These argumentative thesis statement examples are meant to serve as possible inspiration–don’t use them verbatim. That would be plagiarism, and besides, it would rob the world of your unique thoughts about the issues at hand.

Look at each example and note what they have in common–each states a clear position on a given issue and then lists a few reasons for that position. Each of those reasons will serve as the topic sentences for your body paragraphs.

If you need even more ideas, check out 10 More Thesis Statement Examples to Inspire Your Next Argumentative Essay. If thesis statements terrify you, try reading What Twitter Can Teach You About Writing a Thesis Statement.

Now, go out and make your own strong arguments. And don’t forget, if you’re still having trouble turning your essay into a box office sensation, the Kibin editors can help you wow your critics.

Have you ever heard that different people learn in different ways? Well, it’s true.

And while some people may be able to learn just by reading the theories on how to do something, you learn differently—you need actual examples.

Just like a protester, politician, or superhero, I’m here to lead by example. I’ve put together a list of essay conclusion examples that covers a range of topics and essay formats to serve as a stepping stone for your own writing.

Why Do You Need a Strong Conclusion?

Before I get into the essay conclusion examples, you should know why writing a strong conclusion is so important. Your conclusion isn’t just a summary of what you’ve already written.

True, it’s a little bit about summarizing, but it should take your essay one step further. Your conclusion should answer any unresolved questions and end your essay with a bang!

In short, an awesome essay conclusion is super important because it rounds out your essay and makes it feel complete.

Now on to the good stuff…

Analytical Essay Conclusion Examples

Topic #1: Analyze the theme of compassion for one character in the Hunger Games series.

The obvious choices for compassion in the Hunger Games may be Katniss or Peeta, but the character who personifies compassion best was Prim. Throughout the series, her compassion is seen when she keeps secrets from her mother for Katniss, when she heals Gale after he gets whipped, and through the last act of her life as she rushes to save children in the Capitol. She truly lives Albert Schweitzer’s words, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

Topic #2: What caused the Civil War?

The importance of each cause of the American Civil War can be debated, but what is fact is that there were several factors that led the South to secede. Slavery, states’ rights, and the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency—even though no state in the South voted for him—all contributed to the war. While it has been nearly 150 years since the Civil War ended, some of the leftover divide between North and South can still be seen in modern America.

Topic #3: Analyze Facebook’s influence on America’s youth.

Though social media allows young users to connect with people across the world and get instantaneous news about the world around them, it also has come with many complications. From access to inaccurate information to the rise of cyberbullying, the bad can sometimes outweigh the good among younger users. With 73% of young Americans ages 12-17 years old using Facebook, it may be time to devise better rules for promoting responsible use.

Topic #4: Analyze the theme of disguise in The Taming of the Shrew.

The theme of disguise in The Taming of the Shrew is evident from the very beginning. The play within a play lets the reader know that every character is an actor. The main characters—Kate, Bianca, and Petruchio—all disguise their true identities and intentions for the same reason: to get what they want.

(Learn how to write an analytical essay outline.)

Expository Essay Conclusion Examples

Topic #5: Explain how to write an essay conclusion.

Essay conclusions are pretty simple once you know the framework. It all boils down to three main parts: a transition from the last body paragraph, a summary of the thesis statement and main points of the essay, and a closing statement that wraps everything up. If all students knew this simple formula, maybe essay writing would be easier for everyone.

Want extra guidance with the conclusion framework? Read How to Write a Killer Essay Conclusion.

Topic #6: What is the scientific method?

The scientific method is common sense. First, a person must have a research question he or she wants answered and a little background knowledge on the subject. Then the person forms a hypothesis, or what he or she thinks the answer to the research question is, which the person tests with an experiment. Finally, the person should analyze the data and draw a conclusion. This method can be used both in and out of the scientific realm, testing everything from history to social issues.

Topic #7: What are the causes of homelessness?

Passing by a homeless person is not uncommon, especially in urban settings. Homelessness can be caused by many factors, including job loss, lack of family support, and the diminishing availability of affordable housing. Although it is easy for some to think that homelessness is caused by mental problems or general laziness, there are other factors to consider. Only when the whole scope of the problem is known can society begin to come up with a comprehensive solution.

Topic #8: What is the main cause of global warming?

Most scientists agree that global warming is due to the rapid rise of greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution. While some may argue that factory farms are the main cause of global warming and others may say it is modern society’s transportation methods, the main cause is clear: mankind.

(Learn more about writing expository essays.)

Narrative Essay Conclusion Examples

Topic #9: Write about what it would be like to be put into the pages of Romeo and Juliet.

Being catapulted into the pages of Romeo and Juliet would definitely come with some culture shock. Men would be carrying swords and fighting each other in the street. Girls would be getting married at 13 years old. Had I the knowledge of what would become of the star-crossed lovers, I would have warned Romeo that Juliet’s death was a hoax and to wait until she woke up. This, of course, would make the play quite different, but I would feel that it was my duty after having spent so much time with the characters.

Topic #10: A time machine has taken you back to meet your favorite author (Edgar Allan Poe in this case). Write about that meeting.

As Edgar and I were discussing the common themes and dark imagery of his works, the waiter interrupted us. I reached for the wine decanter, poured myself a glass, and asked if he would like some.

Topic #11: Tell about your proudest moment.

Standing up for my little brother made me feel like the character who everyone likes in those after-school sitcoms. I was able to confront the kid who was bullying my little brother without using threats or physical force. In the end, encouraging the two to have an open dialogue brought them closer, and while they may never be best friends, at least they can respect each other.

Topic #12: Write about an event that made you who you are today.

My abuse did not and does not define me, but I would not be the same person had I not gone through it. It took a while and there were setbacks, but I’m a stronger, more compassionate person because of the traumatic events that happened. I hope others never have to go through the same thing I did, but if they do, I hope they can learn from my example and find the help they need to change their situation for the better.

(Learn more about writing narrative essays.)

Persuasive Essay Conclusion Examples

Topic #13: Should Hermione have ended up with Harry instead of Ron in the Harry Potter series?

Harry may be the main character of the Harry Potter series and J.K. Rowling may have stated recently that even she thinks Hermione and Harry should have ended up together, but the characters are much too similar. They are both natural leaders, which would create a lot of relationship tension. Ron, on the other hand, is the Type B to balance Hermione’s Type A personality. Since Harry ended up with Ron’s sister, Ginny, all three main characters are married into the same family. That certainly would make holiday get-togethers much more entertaining.

Topic #14: Should college education be free?

The amount of student loan debt is an indication that something is definitely wrong with the system. Although universities need an income to survive, getting a college education should still come at no direct cost to the student. Free education would allow for a more educated nation as a whole, it would leave some students with more time to work more on their studies than their jobs, and it could encourage universities to get more creative. If more universities embraced the Pay It Forward model, the United States might become one of the most educated countries in the world.

Topic #15: What is the most important thing high school students should be learning but aren’t?

There are many areas where public high school education could improve, but the most important is financial planning. While some may argue for better nutrition or fitness programs, that information is easily available online and even in commercials—and should actually be taught starting in elementary school. Stronger financial planning curricula would teach high schoolers how to establish credit, how to save for retirement, and how to budget. All of these are important for life in the real world but can be filled with confusing jargon and advertising schemes. With Americans having more than $11 trillion in debt, it is time the younger generation be taught how not to be another statistic.

Topic #16: Should kids get participation trophies?

Many Baby Boomers believe that participation trophies serve as a symbol of millennials’ sense of entitlement. In reality, the participation trophy does not diminish any sense of competition or drive for improvement. When there are performance-based awards in addition to participation awards, it mirrors the real world where average-performing employees still get paid and well-performing people get bonuses, raises, and promotions.

(Learn more about writing persuasive essays.)

Argumentative Essay Conclusion Examples

Topic #17: Should nuclear weapons be banned in all countries?

Because of the political tensions between different countries, it is not likely that a worldwide ban on nuclear weapons would be followed by every world leader. It is important that other countries be able to protect themselves from potential attacks with equally strong weapons. However, more limitations on testing and launch authorizations should be enforced to ensure hot-headed leaders do not use or even advertise these dangerous weapons simply as a show of force.

Topic #18: Are pre-employment drug tests an invasion of privacy?

Although companies need to hire capable, dependable employees, they should not be able to dictate what their employees do in the comfort of their own homes. There are better ways of determining whether someone is right for a position, including education, past employment, personal and professional references, and trial periods.

Topic #19: Should prisoners have the right to vote?

Although some people fear that granting prisoners the right to vote may lead to more relaxed laws surrounding specific crimes, prisoners are part of the American population. A truly democratic process includes everyone’s voices, even those who have made mistakes.

Topic #20: Should parents be allowed to spank their children?

Spanking has become an outdated and lazy way of punishing children. It teaches them that meeting other people’s bad behavior with violence is acceptable. If children are old enough to understand why they are being spanked, they are old enough to think about their bad behavior logically and understand why it was wrong.

(Learn more about writing argumentative essays.)

A Final Word on Final Paragraphs

As you probably noticed given the variety of essay conclusion examples above, there are a lot of ways to end an essay. Generally, there will be a summary, but narrative essays might carry an exception.

These types of essays allow you to be more creative with your conclusion. You should still try to end the essay with a sense of closure even if, as in the case of Topic #8, this means ending on a somewhat ominous note.

No matter how you learn, it’s pretty helpful to have practical examples. And now that you do, you can get to finishing your own essay.

Once your essay is drafted, have one of Kibin’s talented editors take a look at it for you.